The French government, led by Emmanuel Macron, has submitted India the best and final price offer for the 26 Rafale Marine Jet deal, just ahead of the two-day scheduled visit of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval from Monday.
A report by India Today quoted defence officials as saying that during Doval’s meeting with key officials in France, the Rafale deal will be one of the key discussion points.
ANI quoted its defence sources as saying that after tough negotiations, a significant reduction has been offered by France to India for the purchase contract of 26 Rafale Marine jets.
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India and France have been negotiating the deal for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets. Last week a French team was in New Delhi for finalising the discussion with India.
The Indian side is keen to wrap up the negotiations and complete the contract by the end of this fiscal year.
India-France Rafale negotiations: What was New Delhi’s demand?
In the letter of request, the tender document equivalent in government to government deals, India sought deviation like the integration of the indigenous Uttam radar in the jets for the Indian Navy.
This integration would, however, take a longer time of about eight years and a higher price to be paid to the French side doing so.
India has also demanded the integration of indigenous weapons on the plane, including the Astra beyond visual range missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles.
As per ANI report, the naval deal has taken into account inflation changes and has also incorporated Indian Air Force requirements, including 40 drop tanks and a small number of workstations for the planes.
The deal is scheduled to be struck before the end of this financial year.
Details of Rafale deal & why is it important for India?
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The 26 Rafale Marine jets deal is important for the Indian Navy as it is aiming at strengthening its maritime strike capability.
Once the deal goes through, the Rafale Marine jets from Dassault Aviation will replace the MiG-29s which are currently deployed. Also, this would be India’s second major purchase of fighter jets from a French defence manufacturer over the recent years.
The deal includes 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft and four twin-seater trainer versions.
The 26 Rafale Marine jets will be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and different bases.
With inputs from agencies.